Results from recent ISACA Research suggest that most people believe women are underrepresented in the IT sector. ISACA’s Tech Workplace and Culture Report reveals that 87% of respondents believed women are underrepresented and there is a lack of diversity in workplaces. However, only 41% of businesses have programs in place to hire more women.

ISACA’s Tech Workplace and Culture report surveyed 7,726 tech professionals around the globe, with 74% of respondents saying that attracting and retaining talent is a challenge.

When looking at why women are still under-represented in tech roles, 43% of female respondents (and 21% of men) say it is because most IT role models and leaders are male. The next biggest culprit was pay inequality, according to 42% of women, but only 15% of men, who responded.

Overall, men tend to rate their sense of authority in specific areas of their current role more highly, whereas women tend to give lower ratings. The gap between men and women’s perceptions of authority are the largest for making purchasing decisions (13% gap) and contributing to the company strategy and direction (10% gap).

ISACA’s Oceanic Ambassador Jo Stewart-Rattray said Australia’s tech sector is experiencing significant talent shortages and agrees that a lack of women role models is compounding this, along with concerns over pay and promotion inequality.

“Australia’s tech sector faces a Catch-22. Women remain under-represented due to a lack of visible role models, yet it is the success of these very role models that inspires others to adopt this career path and thrive,” said Stewart-Rattray. “Role modelling and mentoring cannot be underestimated as one of the most powerful forms of motivation and support.”

“To break this cycle, businesses must actively address pay and promotion inequalities, while creating pathways that allow women to achieve their individual career goals, including during pivotal life stages like maternity leave.”

Survey respondents indicate they believe that educational institutions can do more to drive gender inclusion, including:

• Providing mentors or role models (52%);

• Establishing tech clubs and/or organisations for networking for women (42%) and

• Hiring more female tech professors (31%).

The survey did however indicate some progress, with 68% of women indicating they are extremely or very satisfied with their career progression.

“More needs to be done to increase the representation of women in the IT and technology sector, and more needs to be done to welcome their leadership and influence,” says ISACA’s Chief Membership Officer Julia Kanouse. “This will not only help to address the global skills gap and boost productivity in the sector, it will also create a more inclusive and diverse working environment.”

Anna Murray, Founder, President and Lead Consultant of eMedia, and member of the SheLeadsTech Advisory Council said each woman added to the tech force impacts dozens of other women, because you need to see it to be it.

“Women thrive in tech roles, bringing unique perspectives and expertise to make impactful contributions within the industry and their organisations,” said Murray. “It is vital for the IT sector to continue prioritising efforts to both address deterrents and increase awareness and outreach to bring more women into these professions and create a more equitable and balanced tech workforce.”